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Bethel

We had a family reunion today that turned into a road trip. It was held in Keosauqua…and when we go there…we drive 9 more miles to Cantril.

Cantril is the home of the Dutchman’s Store. It is a block long and stuffed with items that are hard to find. Run by Mennonites, they sell Amish clothes, boots, shoes, quilts, canned goods, bulk spices, fabric, dishes, groceries, plants, gift items, a wall of candy, etc.

I picked up a box of sympathy cards from their large selection. In their toy section, I found a miniature rolling-pin my granddaughter can use the next time she plays with Play-Do at my house. And men’s white handkerchiefs, for which I have searched for a long time!

On the way to Keosauqua, we passed the sign pointing to the Gothic House, used in Grant Wood’s famous painting. I told David we should go see it because we live close by. He decided today was the day!

After the reunion, he took the back roads to Eldon, IA, home of the Gothic House. We passed by a Bethel church and talked about the time I sang there.

King Josiah also went to Bethel; but he wasn’t on a road trip.

2 Kings 35: 16, “Then Josiah turned around and noticed several tombs in the side of the hill. He ordered that the bones be brought out, and he burned them on the altar at Bethel to desecrate it. (This happened just as the Lord had promised through the man of God when Jeroboam stood beside the altar at the festival.)” New Living Translation

The prophesy of that prophet mentioned in verse 15-18 is found in: 1 Kings 13:1, 2, “At the Lord’s command, a man of God from Judah went to Bethel, arriving there just as Jeroboam was approaching the altar to burn incense. Then at the Lord’s command, he shouted, ‘O altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: A child named Josiah will be born into the dynasty of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests from the pagan shrines who come here to burn incense, and human bones will be burned on you.'” New Living Translation

Today we read where that prophecy was fulfilled.

David’s mother had 9 brothers and sisters. I couldn’t remember the names of all the 4 generations who attended the reunion, but God knows. He knew Josiah’s name years before he was born, and he knows my name.

Dear Father God,

Thank You for family. Thank You for the miracle You performed on Uncle Floyd Osborn. It was wonderful seeing him at the reunion, especially after his van was hit by a semi a few years ago. We did a lot of praying over those months! I am grateful You know my name, and You call me Yours.